i'm still convinced of that.  the celtics are simply not playing their best.  and they don't really look like they want to.  they don't look hungry, they don't look focused, and i just don't get it.  these are veteran guys who have been there before.  i didn't really care that they farted their way down the stretch of the regular season, because i knew they were gonna flip the switch come playoff time.  well, here we are.  come on, celtics - don't go out like this.  

give the big fella some cortisone and get him out on the court.  the guy has played a million games, and his body is obviously done.  his last injury happened when he had been on the court for 5 minutes and he didn't even do anything  to cause the injury!!!  it's beyond diminishing returns with this guy.  he's a legend and i give him his props and all that, but he's near the end of his career and it's the playoffs and you either get out there and play or you retire.  if i'm completely off base here, let me know.  i just think it's about the team, and shaq is obviously not part of this team's future - or any team's future!!!!    

Congratulations to our old friend Leon "The Show" Powe, who led the Cavs with 16 points in their win over the Pistons tonight.  In the absence of Shaq and Big Z, Leon seems to have made some fantastic contributions, and I'm happy for the big fella. 

That said, I'm not rooting for him when he faces The Green.

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Here's my take on the matchups for tomorrow nite:

PG - Rondo vs Mo Williams

Rondo is a top 3 PG and the motor of this team.  Mo Williams is coming off a shoulder injury and is 3-18 in his two games back.  Obvious edge to Rondo.

SG - Ray Allen vs Anthony Parker

They're both great 3pt shooters and decent defensive players.  Ray has been playing out of his mind since the trade deadline, I'm gonna give this one to RayRay

SF - Marquis Daniels vs LeBron James

Moving right along...

PF - KG vs Antawn Jamison

KG seems to be getting his legs back, and Jamison is still learning the Cleveland system, I don't know - I'm leaning towards giving the edge to KG

C - Perk vs Shaq

Normally I would give this one to Perk in a heartbeat, but he doesn't seem to have his head in the game lately, and Shaq is playing his best ball of the year.  I think Shaq gets the nod here.

Bench - Sheed, Nate-rob, Baby, Scal and TA vs Varejao, Delonte, Jamario, Boobie and Leon

This is a tough one but i think Cleveland is deeper.  I like the Celtic's starting 5 better - even without Paul - but from top to bottom, the Cavs have more talent.

Coaching - Doc vs Mike Brown.  Both are overrated, in my book.  I'm just gonna leave this one alone.

Thoughts?